What is a small housing development?
A small housing development is a scheme of a few new homes, typically two to nine, on a single site. We work with landowners, small developers and investors to build schemes that already have planning permission, or help take a site through planning first.
How much does a small housing development cost in Derbyshire?
In Derbyshire, a small housing development typically costs £1,700–£2,550 per m² of floor area (build cost), including VAT at 0% (zero-rated for qualifying new dwellings). For a typical 400 m² project that is roughly £680,000–£1,020,000. Prices across the East Midlands are typically 5% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Derbyshire. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £476,000–£714,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £680,000–£1,020,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £952,000–£1,428,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,700–£2,550 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Ground conditions
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Number and size of homes
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a small housing development in Derbyshire?
The approval route for Derbyshire is set by planning law in England. In England small schemes need full planning permission and may involve a section 106 agreement, the Community Infrastructure Levy, highways and drainage approvals, and biodiversity net gain where it applies.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical small housing development we handle:
- Handover packs for each home
- Warranty and building control inspections
- Pre-construction cost plan
- House construction to building regulations
- External works and landscaping
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
How long does it take?
Expect 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Derbyshire
The East Midlands has a mix of red-brick terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, so rear extensions and garage conversions are common projects.
Towns we cover in Derbyshire include Derby, Chesterfield, Long Eaton, Ilkeston, Swadlincote and Staveley.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about small housing developments in Derbyshire
Who handles road adoption?
We build roads and sewers to adoptable standards where agreements are in place with the highway authority and water company.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
How much does a small housing development cost in Derbyshire?
In Derbyshire, a small housing development typically costs £1,700–£2,550 per m² of floor area (build cost), including VAT at 0% (zero-rated for qualifying new dwellings). A typical 400 m² project comes to roughly £680,000–£1,020,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you build small housing developments in Derbyshire?
Yes. We build small housing developments across Derbyshire, including postcodes DE1, DE11, DE12, DE14 and DE15. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.